Melbourne's abysmal record against Collingwood in home and away matches continued, as the long streak which dated back to 1923 continued. It was the Reds' sixth loss from the first seven games, and any hope they had of sneaking into the finals with a flourish in the second half of the season was gone. For the third straight week they found themselves five goals down at the last change and kicked five goals, only on this occasion they also conceded five.

Each team was on two goals towards the end of the first quarter before slack defensive play by Melbourne allowed the Magpies in for two late goals. They got another one at the start of the second quarter, and extended their lead. The margin could have been significantly higher, but for poor forward play by the Magpies who spurned a number of chances. Down the other end Melbourne were suffering the same issues, with George Margitich kicking 2.10. At one point he was on 0.8.

Margitich's accuracy woes were the final nail in the coffin for Melbourne, in stark contrast to the lone hand Gordon Coventry was playing for the Pies where he was kicking eight goals up the other end.

Glass, Ogden and Long were best. 19th man Longhurst replaced Vine (injured leg) in the third quarter.